The Earlier You Begin, the Higher You Climb: College Planning for 9th and 10th Graders

College planning doesn’t begin in senior year. In fact, if you're in ninth or tenth grade, you already have one of the most valuable tools for success: time. The earlier you start building your plan, the more options you’ll have—and the less stress you’ll feel along the way.

High school student working at a computer

At PEAK Educational Consulting, we help students turn this early advantage into meaningful progress with a clear, personalized roadmap.

You’re Closer to College Than You Think

Freshman and sophomore years might feel far from graduation, but these early choices shape your future application. Course selection, extracurricular involvement, academic habits, and personal interests are already part of the story colleges will see.

Too often, students wait until junior year—only to realize they’ve missed critical opportunities, important deadlines, and the chance to explore their true interests. The result? Rushed decisions, increased pressure, and avoidable setbacks.

What You Should Be Doing Now

1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation. Colleges want more than a GPA. They look for rigor, consistency, and smart course choices that align with your future goals. Are you challenging yourself where it counts? Are your classes aligned with your intended major? Early planning allows for a thoughtful, strategic approach.

2. Explore Your Interests Authentically. Now is the time to try new things, reflect on what excites you, and invest in activities that matter. By starting early, you can grow into leadership roles and create a clear narrative—not just a long list of activities, but a story that shows who you are and what you value.

3. Begin Crafting Your Story. What do you want colleges to understand about you beyond your academics? The best personal statements are not written—they are lived. When you begin planning early, you can shape your high school years with intention and clarity.

4. Prepare for Testing at Your Own Pace. If testing is part of your plan, starting early relieves pressure. With the right timeline, students can focus on progress, not perfection. And for student-athletes, this early prep is key for aligning with NCAA eligibility and recruiting timelines.

Why Early Planning Matters

Students who begin their college planning journey early experience:

• Reduced stress during junior and senior years

• Improved academic focus driven by clear goals

• Stronger, more authentic applications

• Greater scholarship access and competitive positioning

• Confidence in their decisions and next steps

Students who wait often find themselves:

• Rushed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin

• Missing out on enrichment opportunities and deadlines

• Struggling to justify gaps or missteps

• Applying to colleges that don’t truly fit

What Working with PEAK Looks Like

At PEAK Educational Consulting, our approach is intentional, ethical, and rooted in your growth—not pressure. PEAK helps you discover the right path, not just a path.

When you start with PEAK early, you’ll receive:

• A personalized academic and extracurricular roadmap

• Strategic planning for testing, enrichment, and summer experiences

• Support in identifying authentic interests and potential career paths

• Expert guidance on college visits, financial aid, and school fit

• Insight into what colleges look for—and how you can stand out

• Clear communication and partnership for your entire family

PEAK keeps stress low and spirits high—because the journey to college should reflect your goals, not just the process.

The Next Two Years Are Yours to Shape

Freshman and sophomore years offer a rare opportunity: the ability to shape your story before the application begins. With the proper guidance, you can align your experiences with your goals and approach junior year feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.

At PEAK, we believe in starting early, building wisely, and supporting every student with the care they deserve.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're in Grade 9 or 10 and ready to take intentional steps toward your future, we’d love to connect.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery session today and see how PEAK Educational Consulting can help you build the path that’s right for you.

PEAK Educational Consulting, based in Naples, Florida, helps high school students and student-athletes nationwide navigate every stage of the college admissions and recruiting process. Founded by Elizabeth Burgon, PEAK offers personalized, low-stress guidance rooted in experience, strategy, and care. Every student deserves thoughtful, expert support—and PEAK is here to help you reach your peak.